Apple, Samsung Donating Millions To Victims Of Chinese Earthquake

Over the weekend, a powerful earthquake struck the city of Ya’an in Sichuan province, which isn’t far from the site of an even larger earthquake in 2008. In an effort to help victims of the Chinese earthquake, Apple has pledged to donate RMB 50 million (US $8 million). Earlier, Apple’s rival, Samsung, pledged to donate RMB 60 million ($9.63 million).

News of Apple’s donation for the earthquake relief comes from its public relations channels, while Samsung posted its offering on the Samsung China official Sina Weibo page. Apple has set up a memorial page for the earthquake victims on its homepage. The company also released a statement pledging new gadgets for the schools affected by the earthquake:

“At this difficult time, our hearts are with the victims of the Sichuan earthquake. Aside from the cash donation to help the affected people to tide over their difficulties, we are committed to providing new Apple devices to schools in the disaster area, and Apple employees in the locality are on stand-by at any time to help.”

Samsung’s post on Weibo also came with a statement from Samsung China president Zhang Yuanji, saying: “Samsung China is always with the Chinese people through thick and thin, to tide over the difficulties.” Samsung has also reportedly set up ad-hoc free phone repair centres in the affected earthquake zone.

Lately there has been a lot of tension between Apple and the Chinese government, and there is no end in sight for its rivalry with Samsung. I’m sure there will be some debate over who donated more, but both companies have made considerable donations which will go a long way in helping the victims of this earthquake.

Image Credit: The National

Kaylie lives in Ottawa and got her first Mac in 2007 and is now a fan for life.